Computational algorithms and applications of element-free Galerkin methods for nonlocal damage models

In using complex material models, especially the strain-gradient-dependent damage models, the convergence of the finite element computation increasingly becomes a problem. Due to large strains in damaging elements the computation may often result in non-convergence. For the higher-order gradient plasticity the special element formulation would often be necessary, which causes additional difficulties in implementation and computations. In recent years, meshless methods have been developed as an alternative to the finite element method (FEM) and can overcome some known shortcomings of FEM. In the present paper an algorithm of element-free Galerkin (EFG) methods for strain-gradient based nonlocal damage models has been developed and used to simulate ductile material damage. The method provides a reliable and robust results for material failure with large damage zones. The strain gradient-dependent terms can be evaluated from the direct differentiation. The investigation confirms that the nonlocal damage model with element-free Galerkin method is suitable for computing the damage problems and predicting the size effects. With the help of the meshless method, material failure in specimens as well as the size effects are predicted accurately.